Look, James Patterson knows exactly what he’s doing. This is a high-octane thriller designed to be read on a plane or at the beach. It’s not 'literature' with a capital L, and it’s certainly not for kids.

If you’re a parent looking for a quick escape, this is a solid choice. But keep it on the high shelf. The plot involves a killer named Thierry Mulch who is particularly nasty, and the descriptions of his crimes are enough to give an adult the creeps, let alone a teenager.